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March 31, 2005
Mail Delivery
USPS must have heard my gripe because my Tendances 
finally arrived, 3 weeks after it was shipped from Canada. Does that seem like a reasonable shipping time to you? It doesn't really to me, but it's here now and I'm happy. There are a couple of really cute things that I think I may have to make from this magazine. First, of course, is the zip cardigan. In furtherance of that goal, I also got yarn from Knit Happens all in something close to the gauge I need. I'm just going to have to swatch them all (as well as the previously purchased Jo Sharp) and see which one comes the closest because they're all yummy - Rowan Cotton Glace, Rowan 4 ply Cotton, and Jaeger Aqua. I also got a set of size 1 Lantern Moon dpn for my next sock project. I think I'll start them as soon as I finish Rebecca (while I'm waiting for the zip cardigan yarn to arrive).
I got paint samples from Citron Paint yesterday. A couple of greens with a lot of potential and a more questionable eggplant and merlot color. I'll have to paint them onto watercolor paper this weekend and see how they look.
I finished the left side of Rebecca yesterday at lunch and cast on for the right side. I got quite a bit done on it last night during my tv watching, although I cannot knit while Alias is on because I'm terribly afraid I'll miss something). I have just started the increases for the shaping and it should proceed quickly (assuming I have no other stupid moments - hopefully I got all of those out of my system on the left side). Maybe keep your fingers crossed for me.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:38 AMMarch 30, 2005
Feelin' Froggy
But not by choice. It's times like this that I seriously worry about my mental acuity. How I ever made it through college and law school is beyond me at this point. In case you haven't guessed, Rebecca and I had another disagreement. The problem arose when it came time to do the armhole shaping on the left front. The directions say "At the same time work side and armhole shaping at right edge as for back." This does not mean that you should do the exact same armhole shaping as you did for the back. Why? Because you shape two armholes for the back (one for each arm) and only one for the left side (for your left arm - that's why it's the left side). Duh. Such binding off will leave you with too few stitches, a very strangely shaped armhole, and will result in frogging six rows of mohair. Which, quite frankly, sucks. There's no other word for it - it sucks. The little mohairs gets all wrapped around their nearest neighbor and you literally have to rip them apart. I was so mad at myself last night that I stayed up late to rip it out and made myself do the correct bind offs and surprise, surprise, when you actually follow the directions things work a whole heck of a lot better. Besides that little moment of stupidity, the left front of Rebecca is almost finished - maybe over lunch, but definitely by tonight.
I have made no progress on selecting paint colors aside from ordering more samples. One of these days I'm going to have an epiphany and all will be well, but until that day I will continue to struggle through the many greens and wheats that are out there and hope for clarity and decisiveness.
I still have not received my Tendances (you'll have to click on the link twice to get to the French page with the pictures because it automatically sends you to the US page, which doesn't have pictures) from Knit N Tyme, but she assures me she's sending another because I should have had it by now. I hate the US Postal Service, they are always messing things up. Jeez, how hard is to deliver a package? I should also be receiving the yarn and needles I ordered from Knit Happens - yarn to try for the Phildar pattern and dpns for my next sock project - and my blocking board from Memphis Vintage. It'll be like Christmas if everything ever gets here.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:08 AMMarch 29, 2005
Knitting Guild
I found a knitting guild! I e-mailed the president and she e-mailed me right back. Their monthly meeting is Saturday, and they meet every Monday night for 2 hours. I can't go on Saturday because I promised my mom I'd help her paint her SO's living and dining room, but I'm definitely going to go to next week's Monday night group and see how it is. The lady who hosts the Monday night group is a master knitter and she used to own a yarn store downtown (which has since closed). This group should be a good source of knowledge and expertise.
Rebecca is coming along nicely. I finished the back yesterday over lunch and am quite pleased with the outcome. I cast on for the left front and have about 20 cm completed and just started binding off for the front shaping - sloped bind off again because I wasn't sure how else to do it. I've only done 2 rows of bind offs, but so far it looks right. ?? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If it can be screwed up in mohair, I'll do it. I definitely wouldn't want to have to rip the bind offs out in this yarn, soft but nasty stuff to take out. I'll have emotional scarring for years! The front is moving a bit faster than the back, partly because it's fewer stitches and I think partly because I've figured out that I need to use stitch markers for every repeat and I have the pattern memorized now (although I still look at it to make sure I am doing what I'm supposed to do) :) It's a lot easier to figure out if you've messed up when you only have 7 stitches between markers than when you're 6 rows up and realize you've forgotten a stupid yarn over. Believe me, I know this for a fact.
I forgot to tell you (and this is important, so I'm a little upset by my mental lapse) - Stacy loves her socks! She was very skeptical about the pointy toes, which I assured her I was in total agreement on, but when she put them on they fit perfectly. Woo Hoo. I was completely over the moon. The best thing about giving Stacy something is that she will honestly tell you if she likes it (or if she doesn't) and you can totally believe her because she's brutally honest, which I appreciate immensely. Not only did I make a pair of socks, but they fit and are loved. It doesn't get much better than that for me. She's supposed to take a picture of them on her pretty feet (I didn't say pretty little feet because her feet aren't so little, but than neither are mine) and I will post that as soon as I get it. I ordered a set of size 2 dpn for the Lorna's Lace that I have and am going to try Wendy's Toe-Up Sock Pattern, which include directions for a short row toe. Scary, but should be fun anyway. Wendy's directions seem to be fabulous so I should be able to make it through them.
I hope you all have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:53 AMMarch 28, 2005
Whirlwind Weekend
What a busy weekend. My in-laws were in town for the weekend and my college roommate was at her parents' house for Easter. We drove to Ft. Collins Friday night to have dinner with Stacey and her parents (my college roommate and my sister have the same first name, but different spellings). We had a great time, but I didn't get to talk to her as much as I would have liked because my father-in-law talked to her most of the evening about her job. Must be fascinating stuff! She brought me a huge bag of pecans from Texas and I have to figure out what I'm going to do with them. All suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
My in-laws brought their dog with them and Riley had fun torturing him all weekend. Aren't they cute? Riley (my corgi) won't ever let Dually (the in-laws' schnauzer) have a toy and takes it away so Dually will chase him. They can do this for hours. You'd think that they'd eventually get tired of the game (and Dually kind of does), but Riley is relentless and makes the game go for hours. The good news is that he's usually tired when it's time for bed and he sleeps all night with no 4 am bathroom excursions!
My mother-in-law and I went back to Ft. Collins on Saturday to visit the yarn store and the cooking store. We had a great time. Lambspun is a great place. We ate lunch at the restaurant and spent a long time just looking around at all the wonderful yarns. Debbie ended up with yarn for two projects - a scarf for her great niece and a sweater for herself (her first sweater project!) and I was good and didn't buy any yarn because I have yarn for another pair of socks (toe up this time) and the zipper cardigan (well depending on what I decide on the Jo Sharp) - all after the Rebecca wrap of course. We sat and knit and and Debbie did a gauge swatch for her new sweater project - a pretty purple Rowan Summer Tweed and a little sparkle to go with it in a fun yarn (I can't remember the name of that one). It's an easy T-shirt style sweater and I think she'll really enjoy the project. She's a little apprehensive, but I have faith!
The cooking store wasn't nearly as much fun as the yarn store - can you tell where my true enthusiasm lies? After that we went to Whole Foods - the busiest grocery store I've ever been in in my entire life! It was packed, but very cool - we had lots of fun there too, but were exhausted when we got out of there. Shopping is not for sissies!
I did lots of knitting on my Rebecca wrap this weekend. I bound off the neck stitches this morning on the commute. I should be finished with the back today. It's turning out to be a great project (I choose not to remember the many times I've had to rip back because I have forgotten a yarn over or some such nonsense) and I'm excited to finish it so I can wear it. I tried the sloped bind-off for the armhole shaping after Adele raved about it, and I am a believer. It is great. It is smooth and there are no funny little steps from the bind offs. I'm going to use it on the neck shaping too. What a fabulous technique (I took a close-up picture, but it was blurry and I didn't have time to take another one - sorry - you'll just have to trust me that it's awesome). By the way, those really awesome stitch markers are from my Secret Pal - aren't they the coolest! I got lots of compliments on them at the yarn store too.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:21 AMMarch 25, 2005
Yep, I'm Anal
It has been brought to my attention that no one else on the face of the earth has ever spent so much time picking out a silly paint color. Yep, it's true. You're lookin' at anal retentiveness at its very best (or is it worst?). I could offer some moderate form of justification, which mostly involves blaming all of my problems on Travis, who is completely sure that the best paint color in the whole wide world is white, but you wouldn't believe me and it wouldn't really be true (although the part about Travis does account for some of my insanity). The sad truth is that I'm anal and a bit lazy because I don't want to have to repaint if I hate the color I finally choose. There you have it. Do you still like me after my ugly truths have been exposed? Because of my terrible indecisiveness and clear lack of vision (is that an oxymoron?), painting is off for this weekend. I've decided (in all my anal geniusness) that it's better to be sure that I really love the color before I buy a couple of gallons and slather in on the walls. Oh well, more knitting and shopping to be had - who can complain about that? Not me, I tell ya.
By request, this is a picture of the Phildar cardigan that I'm planning to make when the Rebecca wrap is finished. 
I gave in to my insecurities yesterday and called Knit Happens to inquire about other yarn selections for this little project because I'm thinking the Jo Sharp might be too heavy. I talked to the most delightful lady and she's sending me one ball each of a couple of choices they have that are closer to the given gauge. My analness will not allow me to actually wait for the pattern to arrive (which actually may never happen) and then swatch the Jo Sharp and see how it is. Nope, I have already decided in my feeble little mind that it isn't going to work (not that that will stop me from swatching it too, just to prove that in fact I was right) and have moved on to other choices. Somehow it really isn't comforting to know that I'm a complete wacko, but when is reality comforting?
My in-laws are coming for Easter this weekend and in a complete departure from my regularly anal nature (have you had enough on this topic yet?) I have made absolutely no plans for Easter dinner. Travis and I decided last night that we're going to make reservations at a local restaurant and call it good, but I have yet to actually accomplish this task. Maybe today - that might be a good idea since today is Friday and Easter is on Sunday - just maybe.
Rather than painting my Mother-in-Law and I are going to go to Ft. Collins tomorrow and go to the yarn store (and maybe this one too) and the cooking store. It will be a fun girls' day. I wonder how much trouble I'll get in? I'd bet on a lot. Oh well, what's the harm in yarn. It's not like it hurts anybody. Right?
Have a great day. I'll let you know what little wonders I find on my shopping expedition.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:04 AMMarch 24, 2005
Not Enough Hours In The Day
Rebecca is coming along nicely. We haven't had any major disagreements lately so I'm hopeful that all is well on that front. It seems like it's taking me forever to make progress, but I guess I'm not in a big hurry. I'm just impatient. Other knitalong members are finishing their sweaters and I want mine finished too. Oh well, all in good time.
I finished my first pair of socks on the way to Phoenix. They turned out nicely, but I'm not sure I'm crazy about the toe. I think I want to try a different version on the next pair.
These are on their way to Stacy and should be in her hot little hands today - assuming she remembers to go to the mail box. She promised to take a picture of them on her feet and e-mail it to me. I'll pass that along as soon as I see it. This is the yarn I bought in Phoenix for my next sock project. It's Lorna's Lace and pretty I think. Should be a fun project, but when oh when will I find the time to get everything finished? Just not enough knitting hours in the day!
After Rebecca I plan to start the Phildar zip cardigan. I'm hopeful that the yarn I got will work, but it may not and then I'll have to find something else. I need to get the magazine first, I e-mailed Knit 'n Tyme yesterday and asked what the expected shipping time was so I know when to expect it. Dang it, I wish it'd hurry up. I want to see it. There's that impatience again. :) Anyway, here's the Jo Sharp I purchased. What do you think?It's kind of a raspberry color - a blue red I would say.
I'm still struggling with the kitchen paint color. Now I'm thinking that the Celery and Celadon may not be right for the rustic look I'm trying to create and have gone back to the drawing board. Hopefully some of my HGTV pals will be able to help me today so I can order the paint and pick it up on Friday. Nothin' like doing things at the last minute!
Posted by Stephanie at 9:24 AMMarch 23, 2005
I'm Back!
We actually got back late Monday night and I tried to post yesterday, but dial-up and I don't see eye to eye. I also had picture issues, so no pictures of all of my fun stuff until tomorrow.
Travis and I had a nice time. We had a nice drive down and back and spent some quality time together (seems that we don't do that very often). The wedding was beautiful. It was at the Royal Palms in Scottsdale, which is a fabulous little place. I have to tell you though, being a bridesmaid is a lot more stressful than being a bride! I was exhausted, but everything was wonderful and worth all of the stress and excitement.
I went to Jessica Knits while in Phoenix, even though it was way out of my way. It was a cute little store, but didn't have quite as much inventory as I hoped. However, I got some Jo Sharp Soho Summer for the zipped cardigan from Phildar. It's a little heavier than what the pattern calls for, but I'm hoping I can make it work. I'll keep you posted on that (if I ever get the pattern and can play with it!). The Rebecca cardigan has been trying my patience. I think I've ripped out as much as I've knit. It seems that I just keep making stupid mistakes. Grr. However, I worked on it a bit yesterday and didn't have any problems so maybe I've passed the worst. I ordered a blocking board before I left for Phoenix, it was recommended by Felice and is the Sew E-Z Board. I'm excited to get it and it will probably arrive in time to block the Rebecca cardi.
I've been tagged with a meme by Jenn and since I'm clueless about these things, I'm going to give it my best shot. Here goes:
1. How much space is left on your Tivo or Comcast box?
I sadly don't have either, nor do I have (brace yourselves) cable or satellite! I live in the tv dark ages.
2.Have you ever bought a DVD of a TV series and if so which one?
Not a single one, but if I were going to, I'd buy Alias (all seasons)
3. What was the last TV show that you watched before reading this message?
I watched General Hospital yesterday afternoon while working on my Rebecca cardi.
4. List 5 shows you won't miss
Alias, Lost, CSI Las Vegas, CSI New York, CSI Miami, and Law and Order SVU
5. Name 3 people to whom you will pass this stick.
Caitlyn, Linda, and Lynette
March 16, 2005
Looky, Looky
Look at what I got. Thanks Secret Pal!! I started reading the book last night and I'm enjoying it - I've wanted it for quite a while. It's quite entertaining. I find it somewhat amusing that I got a book about how not to get fat and a decadent bar of dark chocolate. Amusing yes, but the perfect reflection of my personality! The stitch markers are absolutely fabulous and will soon be put to excellent use on the Rebecca cardigan.
Also in the mail yesterday were my fabulous sample paints from Ellen Kennon. I was right to wait and look at other greens for the kitchen because I like one of hers - celery - better than the prickly pear from Citron Paint. I'm going to look at it again tonight and then in the morning, but I'm pretty sure about that color. Exciting! The bedroom is another story entirely. I still don't have a clue, but I'm going to see what my friends over at HGTV have to say.
I did minimal knitting yesterday. I started knitting at lunch and then someone came into my office to talk to me and when he left, lunch was over. Last night I did laundry and got my clothes together, and I did pack all of my knitting stuff in my bag to take on the trip, but didn't actually knit anything. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.
I'm not sure how much time I'll have to blog over the next couple of days. If I can sneak some time in on a computer (I'm sure Ashley will let me use hers), I'll give you all an update of the Phoenix trip and the wedding. If not, I'll be home late Monday night, so I'll be back to report first thing Tuesday. I got directions to Jessica Knits because I'm definitely going to go there while we're in Phoenix. I'll have lots to report on the yarn shopping front when I return and lots of pictures of the trip.
Have a great day and a wonderful week. Talk to you soon.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:39 AMMarch 15, 2005
A New Look in Legwarmers
A friend sent me this picture yesterday. She knows that I've been struggling with my legwarmers and wanted to show me how she knits them. Apparently, you just have to put an order in with Mother Nature and poof - legwarmers! Isn't he the cutest?
Laundry, packing, lists, and stress are on my agenda this week. I have two loads of laundry left tonight and then it's time to start getting everything put together. While this is happening I also need to get Riley ready to go to a friend's house to stay. Although she may never speak to me again after he stays. He thinks that when the sun comes up, it's time to get up. Which was at 5:20 this morning. Nothing like a considerate house guest who wakes you up at the crack of dawn (literally) to make you hate your friends and their pets!
In knitting news, I did work on my sock a little bit last night. I have about 2 inches of the needed 3 completed for the heel flap. I think I'll stay in for lunch and work on it. I'll maybe even get the heel flap finished and then I can pick up stitches tonight! I'm anxious to finish because I really want to start on the Rebecca Wrap Cardi. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:38 AMMarch 14, 2005
No News
No news this morning. I have a lot of stuff I have to finish up at work before I leave on Thursday and I'm not quite sure how it's going to get done (and quite frankly am still not that motivated to work diligently). I've started on the heel flap on the second sock. I doubt I'll have much time to work on it this week, so I'll be finishing it up in the car on the way to Phoenix (and then starting on the KAL cardigan). Winter has decided to reappear in my neck of the woods this week, just in time for a trip to somewhere warm! I hope you all have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:57 AMMarch 13, 2005
The Search Is Over
I finally found a dress! A lovely v-neck halter with an asymmetric hemline. It looks quite nice and will work as a bridesmaid dress. Thank goodness. Now I just need to send the other dress back to the Nordstrom in Denver and get everything finished before we leave on Thursday. Yesterday was spent at the eye doctor for the Pre-lasik exam, getting a spray on self-tan, and helping my mom and her SO with paint colors. Busy.
I woke up this morning to snow. And boy is it cold! Although Riley didn't seem to mind a bit. He was much happier being outside in the snow than inside with me. I, however, spent most of the morning in front of the fire knitting on my second sock and watching Shall We Dance. It was quite nice. A good way to spend a Sunday. Well, I have to go put clean sheets on the bed. Have a great evening.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:38 PMMarch 11, 2005
We Need To Talk
I believe there may be a conspiracy in the blog world. I realize that I have become a bit obsessed with all of your lives, but you are my only real form of entertainment in an otherwise dismal day. The problem arises when I go to your blog, anxious to learn about the happenings of your day, because they are most assuredly more exciting than mine, and find no new post. A couple of you are not guilty of this, but I'm beginning to think that the rest of you are deliberately not posting just so I will be tortured and unhappy. Ok, when I write that down it sounds incredibly neurotic and self-absorbed, but well, I am those things. Rationally, I know that you don't post because you actually have lives that keep you busy and away from your little computer, but come on... think of the rest of us when you get busy and think that you'll just skip your post for today.
In non-neurotic ramblings, I didn't accomplish much on the knitting front yesterday. I have about 1/2 inch of the ribbing on the second sock completed and didn't have time to work on it last night because of karate. Today looks a bit more promising because I'm getting my hair cut and colored this afternoon (yes, I'm taking the afternoon off of work - yippee) and I'll work on it while I'm waiting for the color to do whatever it's supposed to do. Then I'll have all weekend to chug away on it and hopefully finish it so it can make its way to its new home next week.
On the dress front, I talked to delightful lady at Nordstroms in Denver. She picked out a couple of dresses for me and since I was afraid to pick one sight unseen and risk failure again (for the third time) I got them both and will return the one that doesn't work. Finding a dress for this wedding has been much more stressful than when I got my wedding dress. Jeez. So, I should be able to make a firm decision on the dress front by tomorrow afternoon and then I will be done with it. It's about time.
I also decided that the reason I am having a hard time picking out a paint color for my bedroom is because none of the ones I have are quite right. So, I ordered sample colors from Ellen Kennon and am hopeful that she has the perfect colors. Her system is a little different from Citron Paint because she actually calls the formula in to a local paint store and they mix it up (no shipping). In my case, since I live in rural America, the closest store is in Ft. Collins, but still a short 1 hour drive, definitely doable. I'm anxious to get the samples and see if the perfect colors are there - hopefully before we leave for Phoenix.
I got the couple little goodies for my "hello Secret Pal" gift and I'm going to mail them off to her today. I hope she isn't disappointed, but I will send another package in a couple of weeks with knitting goodies (like yarn :) ).
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AMMarch 10, 2005
Guess What
Well... the dress doesn't fit. It laced up fine and didn't gap in the back, but the waist hit me about 6 inches above where my waist actually is. With the boning in the top, it was really uncomfortable - couldn't breathe kind of uncomfortable. Size 4s are not made for people who are 5'10". So now I'm scrambling to try to find something else. I think I'm going to call the personal shopper at the Nordstrom in Denver and see if she can help me. My mom's SO (boyfriend just doesn't seem like the right term) is in Denver on business this week and he could go by and pick it up. I'm a little leery of ordering another dress, but I also don't have time to drive to Denver for a shopping expedition and the weather is supposed to get really bad this weekend. I love shopping when things go right, but hate it when you need something specific and can't find a damn thing that works.
On a happier note, I finished my first sock last night. The toe is a little pointy, but that's what the pattern called for, so I'm guessing that's how it's supposed to look. I really like the colors and it seems like it would fit someone who has slightly larger feet than I (i.e. Stacy). I told her that I was making them for her and she's really excited. I hope I can get the second one done by the weekend so I can get them sent off to her (and so I can start on my KAL cardigan).
I finally ordered the Phildar Tendancies Spring 2005 magazine. Adele has the magazine and has posted lots of pictures on her blog, all of which look like great projects. Especially this one.Isn't it the cutest thing? I want to make it after I finish the KAL cardigan because I think I'll be able to still wear it some this year (it won't get warm here until the end of May, and than only in the day). How long does it take to get something from Canada? I think it was shipped yesterday. Do you think I'll have it before next Thursday?
I was very sad to hear the news that Chris LeDoux died yesterday of complications related to cancer. Wyoming, the sport of rodeo, and country music lost an icon and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. His death makes me really think about living life to the fullest and doing what makes you happy, rather than what other people think you should be doing, because you just never know what's going to happen. Life's short, be happy.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:57 AMMarch 9, 2005
What's In A Name?
I have very little to report today. Karate class last night kept me from making much progress on sock #1. However, I have high hopes that I will get it finished tonight.
I heard on the radio today that it is "know what your name means day." I have no idea if that's actually correct, but I was curious enough to look it up - let me tell you - nothing profound. Anyway, here's what I found: Stephanie is the feminine form of Stephen (not surprising) which is from the Greek name Stephanos which means "crown". Saint Stephen was an early Christian martyr who was stoned to death, as told in Acts in the New Testament. Another Saint Stephen is the patron saint of Hungary, the first Christian king of that country (10th century). As well, this was the name of kings of England, Serbia, and Poland and ten popes. More recently it is borne by the British physicist Stephen Hawking and the American author Stephen King. You can look your name up at Behind the Name.
On to more riveting news... Bobbie Brown stick foundation rocks. I am in love with this product. The greatest thing ever invented in my opinion. You just smear it on your face and blend, but there's no liquid to mess with, or in my case spill or have run all over my fingers, and as far as I can tell it lasts really well (all day and still some left after a particularly grueling karate class).
Have a good Wednesday and enjoy great tv tonight - LOST and Alias!
Posted by Stephanie at 8:49 AMMarch 8, 2005
Gusset...
... What's a gusset?
We're having ourselves a little snow storm this morning. Bit fat flakes that mostly swirl around in the air and don't do anything but make the roads slick. Oh well, any moisture at all is welcome around here.
Last night was pretty productive on the knitting front. I turned the heel over lunch yesterday and last night I picked up stitches for the gusset. Picking up stitches was kind of a pain because I followed the pattern, which is written as "knit 3" for heel flap" rather than the directions Clara so brilliantly provides on Knitters Review. I think next time I'll try her method and see if it works better. That said, I think I got the stitches picked up fairly evenly and there doesn't appear to be any holes (I did have to do each side 2 or 3 or 4 times to get it right though!). What do you think? Sorry the picture is dark, but when you're taking it at 10:30 at night, the lighting kind of sucks. I made some more progress on it this morning on the commute - still decreasing. I'm actually enjoying this sock thing. I'm going to get more sock yarn in Phoenix and some smaller needles and try a smaller size for myself (I think these are going to go to Stacy).
I also swatched for the Rebecca Knitalong Cardi last night. I'm kind of nervous about this pattern, it may be a bit ambitious for me. I guess I'll just try to muddle through and ask the other members of the knitalong if I have problems. Anyway, here's the swatch. The gauge is a bit loose - 20 stitches to 4" rather than 18-19, but I'm going to go with it. I think part of it was that I was trying not to knit too tight (because that's been a common problem for the other members) so I was knitting extra-loose, which I guess I don't need to do, and the mohair will take a little bit to get used to (especially after working with the Koigu). I think my gauge will be just about right once I get started on the project. I really like the color and it is sooo soft. The sweater will be absolutely yummy if I can execute the pattern correctly.
My dress for the wedding came yesterday, as did some of the make-up I ordered. My mom's going to come out tomorrow night and help me try it on so I can make sure this one will fit properly. I hope so or I'm going to have to make an emergency shopping trip this weekend, not what I had planned!
I'm waiting for a catalog from a Wyoming store that has some western cabinet hardware before I decide which ones I'm going with for sure. Right now it looks like the Star ones from Guadalupe Forge, but there may be something great in the catalog that's coming. We'll just have to wait and see. I'm having a hard time picking a color for my bedroom - I like them all (typical). Maybe my mom can give me her opinion when she comes out tomorrow. Travis definitely doesn't have one (unless you count "what's wrong with the way it is?" as an opinion).
I'd better get to work - have lots to do. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:46 AMMarch 7, 2005
We Have Socks
I started my first pair of socks Saturday and I'm having a great time. I'm working on the heel flap right now. This picture was taken last night before I actually started the heel flap part - just after I combined the 2 needles worth of stitches. The pattern is Koigu fun socks and so far they've been pretty easy. I love the color and the merino is yummy. I knit them to the gauge on the pattern, but they might end up being too big for my skinny little chicken legs. If they are, my sister will be delighted. I'll just have to see when I get done. Even if they are too big, I have to say that so far this has been a delightful project. I'm going to try to pick up some more sock yarn when I'm in Phoenix. I'm also thinking of a pattern from Rowan for after the Rebecca Knitalong Cardi. Then of course there are the slippers from Weekend Knitting. Just not enough time and too many projects. I'm figuring that I'll get caught up on some stuff over the summer because I won't be making as many things to wear. Right?
Calligraphy took up a large chunk of my day yesterday. Those little seating card envelopes sure take a lot longer than you'd think. But, the good news is that they're done and hopefully there won't be any stragglers. I'm quite pleased with them for the most part. They aren't perfect, but all in all I think they look pretty good. Now, all I have to worry about is my dress, shoes, and make-up getting here as scheduled and getting everything together that I need to take to Phoenix. I'd better start myself a list or I'll forget something.
I bought my secret pal a couple of goodies yesterday - yummy little bits of funness. :) I still need to get one or two more little things and then I have to get it in the mail to her. I hope she likes what I found. Have a great Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AMMarch 6, 2005
Success & Failure
I love weekends at home. I always feel like I get a lot done. Just now I saved the dog from an out of control spinning washing machine. :) My mom and I finished the living room curtains yesterday and they're up and look great. My mom did most of the skilled labor and I just helped her when she needed more than 2 hands. The fabric would be in a pile on the floor without her assistance - I've got a great mom. Happily though, the curtains are hanging up in the living room and look pretty fabulous in my opinion. What do you think? The curtain project took most of the day yesterday - we started about 10:00 and finished a little after 3:00. Let me tell you, sewing is hard work! I was exhausted when we were done. I thought rather seriously about a nap, but decided to paint sample paints onto paper so I could hang them up today and observe them in the various lighting conditions. So far, I've decided on the color for the kitchen - Prickly Pear is the winner by far. The rest of the rooms are still undecided.
On the legwarmer front - I'm a failure. I just can't get them right. I need a pattern. If anyone has a pattern for a ballet-style legwarmer, I'd be forever grateful if you would let me know the source. I just can't get the decreases right - first they were too big and now they're too small. Damned if I know why, but they are. Oh well. Until I get a pattern I'm going to put them aside. I started on my Koiju Fun Socks last night. The yarn is a lovely purple, brown, black mix that is a lot more interesting to work with than the plain black merino of legwarmer fame. I also got a package in the mail yesterday from Knit Happens - a lovely yarn store that actually still believes in customer service. Here's what came. I love the color - once again a purple. It is soooo soft and fluffy. I can't wait to finish the sweater so I can wear it. I'm going to try to swatch it today so I know if I need to order a different needle (I went with an Addi) on Tuesday when Knit Happens is once again open.
Well, I need to go calligraphy the seating card envelopes for Ashley's wedding and then it's off to town to grocery shop (I'd better figure out what we need) and shop for a few goodies for my secret pal. The day will be over before I know it and then back to work tomorrow. Sigh. I keep telling myself that I should like my job because without it I wouldn't be able to buy paint and yarn. I guess that's the good thing about it, but ...
Have a great Sunday.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:55 AMMarch 4, 2005
It's Not Just The Yarn Stores
I'm feeling a little under the weather today. My stomach is kind of upset - not really sick, but not quite right either. I'm drinking some red tea and hoping that things will get better as the day progresses. I stayed home from karate last night and took it easy, but don't feel much better for my laziness. Oh well, today is Friday and I have a weekend of curtain making and knitting in store for me. I should be back to normal by Monday.
I have 16 inches done on the first legwarmer - 12 more to go. The last part is going much faster than the first because I'm dealing with significantly fewer stitches. I think I'll be able to get it done this weekend. My yarn for the knitalong cardigan should be here any time now. I'm so excited to get it and at least swatch so I know if I need to get different needles. Lots of people have had to go up one or two needles sizes because they are American-style knitters and the pattern is German, which was tested using the continental style, which is looser I guess than the American style. I'm a continental knitter so I'm hoping I can get gauge with the recommended needle size. But, in case I can't, I still have time to order another needle before the trip to Phoenix.
As we've discussed many times on KR, the biggest pet peeve many of us have with yarn stores is the lack of customer service. Well, you can all rest assured that it isn't just yarn stores. I went to the western home store yesterday over lunch to look at coffee tables (remember, I was going to take pictures) and let me just say that these pieces tend to be unique and expensive. The owner and store manager were in a meeting so I talked to two ladies who work there. They could not have been less helpful or any ruder if they had tried. This store is in a temporary location because their store was destroyed in a fire and much of their new stock is going to a warehouse because they don't have room for it in their temporary location. The owner, who is quite nice, explained this to me on Monday and said that someone could take me to the warehouse to look at the new stock. When I mentioned this to the women helping me (and I use the word "helping" very loosely) my statement was met with utter disbelief and no offer to take me to this secret warehouse. In fact, when I specifically asked, they said no. Now, I expect good service, it comes from my retail days and quite frankly just my personality. I was pissed that they treated me so poorly and you'd think that even if they're just rude, horrible women that when someone comes in specifically for an expensive piece they could try to be nice. So not the case. So I e-mailed the owner and told her about the crappy service I received and that I had expected better from her store based on what others have told me. I haven't heard back yet, and who knows if I will. However, if she doesn't acknowledge my complaint, I will not shop there again.
I got an e-mail from my Secret Pal and she sounds like a delightful lady. She gave me some good ideas for goodies to add to my package. I'm going to get that put together tomorrow and hopefully mailed to her the first on the week (I'll have to wait for the stuff I ordered to arrive first though). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and happy knitting.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:05 AMMarch 3, 2005
We've Made Contact!
I sent an e-mail to my secret pal. I hope she e-mails me back because I had some questions so I know what to include in my first package to her. I'm so excited about this secret pal thing. I got an e-mail from my secret pal (the one who has my name) and she seems just delightful. Had lovely things to say about me, so of course I love her. :) I need to figure out what to send my secret pal. I am limited without a yarn store - darn it. I'm going to have to order some stuff today - I have ideas. Now if I can just find what I'm looking for!
The legwarmers are progressing nicely. I'm excited with them again now that I'm getting closer to having one finished and it's actually starting to look like a legwarmer. The merino style from Knit Picks is so soft and I think it's working up to be quite lovely. I think I overestimated how much I'm going to need for this project because I ordered 10 balls )because I wasn't sure how much I would need and you just can't beat the price) and I'm about 2/3 finished with the first legwarmer and an only about half way through the second ball. I think I'm going to have to find another project for the remaining yarn - maybe a nice hat for myself.
I feel like the order queen this week. I've exchanged the bridesmaid dress for a smaller size, ordered new make-up (I really needed an update), new shoes for the wedding, yarn for the knitalong cardi, paint samples for the bedroom, and now I need to order secret pal stuff (I'm also going to a yarn store in Phoenix so I'll have to pick up yarn then too) - wow. If they gave out a degree in on-line shopping - I'd have my PhD!
I've decided on the more expensive cabinet hardware (when I say "I", I really mean "Travis") so that may have to wait until April. Oh well, I know I'm impatient, but I just can't change! One thing I'm really excited about is figuring out the paint for the bedroom and kitchen and getting started on those projects. I'm also going to look at coffee tables over lunch today. We'll see how that goes. I'm bringing my camera to take pictures of the contenders so I'll try to post pictures for you tomorrow. The more opinions, the better.
The job interview was, well, a job interview. I got a nice lunch out of it and the gentleman was very nice, but who knows. I have a good friend who works at the firm and he'll put in a good word for me. As things are right now at my current job, I can't realistically expect to change anything until May because my co-worker is out on maternity leave until mid-April. I keep hoping that things will get better around here and I'll just decide to stick it out until I can get the yarn store up and running. Oh, well, nothin' wrong with hopin'.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:08 AMMarch 2, 2005
Pink Becomes Purple
After I had firmly decided on the pink GGH soft kid because that was what made the most sense with the skirts and dresses I have in my closet, I called Knit Happens to order the yarn and needles for the knitalong cardi. Well Kristine wasn't there, but I talked to the most delightful ladies (one on the phone and the other in the background) and we had a rather serious discussion about the undertones in the pink and that it was really more of a rose color. Rose and I don't do so well together - too blue, so I decided on the lavender. I'm beginning to think that I have developed an obsession for all things purple - purple sweater, purple superskinny scarf, purple and brown Koigu for socks, now the lavender soft kid. The good thing (or maybe bad, depending on your point of view) is that I'm not sure what I'm going to wear with this new lavender cardigan. Hmmm, I guess I'll just have to go shopping! I'm always looking for an excuse to shop for clothes (although I've put that particular obsession on hold in favor of yarn and paint).
I'm to the knee on the legwarmers which means that I had to recalculate my decreases because there isn't as much change in diameter from my knee to my ankle as there was from my thigh to my knee. I sure hope I don't mess up the calculations because I'm going to be really annoyed if I have to rip it back to the knee. I'm hoping I'll be able to get the first one finished by this weekend. I still haven't decided on whether I'm going to start the socks or finish the second legwarmer. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I found cabinet hardware that I really like at Guadalupe Forge. The problem is that the handles are too long to replace the ones I currently have. I sent the link to Travis and I'm hoping he can figure out a way that they will work because I haven't found anything that I like as well as these. Nothin's every simple. I swear.
I have quite a dilemma. I have a job interview this afternoon (over lunch) and I have been considering private practice for a while now. My problem is that I really think I would be much happier with my own business - being a lawyer is pretty boring most days. I really want yarn store and I think there is definitely a need for one since there aren't really any in this area of the state (Colorado is the closest). The problem I have is that I had planned to wait 12-18 months so that I could do a business plan and have more knitting under my belt before I tried to open a store - seems logical to me. I don't know how I feel about taking a new job knowing that I don't really want to stay for very long, but I'm not sure that I can survive at my current job that long - the politics are killer. What do you all think?
Tonight is my big tv night - LOST and Alias - so I'm not sure how much knitting I'll get done. Those shows require my undivided attention - lots of action to be missed it you aren't paying attention, which makes knitting difficult for me, but we'll see. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:13 AMMarch 1, 2005
I Have a Secret Pal!
KR Secret Pals are assigned! Yippee. I can't wait to send her a little something. As soon as I finish writing this I'm going to call Knit Happens and place my order for the Rebecca cardi. I'm soo excited and I can't wait to get started (after I finish the legwarmers and socks :) )
I finally have a picture of the latest superskinny scarf. It isn't as pink as it looks in the picture - more brown and purple. I have about 9" on the first legwarmer completed. I think it will go a little quicker now because I'm getting fewer stitches as I progress down the legwarmer. I've decided that even though I like to wear black, knitting with plain black yarn (even if it is a really nice merino) is kind of boring. I might finish the first legwarmer and then start the socks. Maybe I'll do the first sock and then the second legwarmer - who knows.
I ordered sample paints from Citron Paints yesterday. Lots of great colors and I'm excited to try them in my bedroom. I looked at some coffee tables yesterday and I found one or two that I like. I need to go back to the store and look later this week because they were getting some new ones in. I'd really like to decide on that and check it off of my list. I think I'd feel less guilty if I actually accomplished something in my house this month!
Well, I don't think I have anything else to share today. It promises to be a boring week of work, but I'd rather have boring over crisis. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:53 AM
